The Power of Fasting

Let us reflect on the significance of fasting as illustrated in various passages of the Bible. Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual tools found in both Scripture and Church tradition. Yet, many people remain unaware of its essential role in daily life, often overlooking its practice.

In Scripture, key figures such as Moses, Jesus, and Elijah fasted for forty days. Their example reveals how deeply meaningful fasting is. Jesus, our role model, fasted before beginning His public ministry—demonstrating its spiritual purpose and power.

Matthew 6:16–17
“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.”

Jesus not only practiced fasting, but also taught about it. He expected His disciples to fast, but with sincerity and humility, not for show.

Luke 5:35
“The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.”

Here, “the bridegroom” refers to Jesus. His “being taken away” can be understood in two ways: first, as His Ascension into heaven—prompting the Church to fast in His physical absence; and second, as a time when we experience spiritual dryness or distance from God because of our sin, which also calls for fasting and repentance.

Joel 2:12
“Yet even now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

When sin distances us from God, fasting becomes a visible sign of our repentance. Throughout history, when God’s people found themselves in bondage to sin, He called them to return to Him through fasting.

1 Kings 21:20–22, 27–29 recounts the story of Ahab, who had provoked God’s anger through evil actions. Elijah pronounced God’s judgment upon him. But when Ahab humbled himself—tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth, and fasting—God delayed the disaster. This shows how humility and fasting can turn away judgment.

Ezra 8:21–22
Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek protection for his people and their possessions. Instead of asking the king for help, he turned to God through fasting, showing complete dependence on divine protection.

Jonah 3:1–10
The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah’s warning with a fast. The king decreed that everyone—even the animals—should fast and repent. They wore sackcloth, a symbol of discomfort and humility, expressing their desire to suppress fleshly desires. Their repentance moved God’s heart, and He relented from sending destruction.

In the same way, if we desire to experience God’s protection, peace, and love, we must fast. Fasting has the power to drive away calamities, pandemics, and spiritual enemies. If you feel distant from God, proclaim a fast.

Joel 1:13–14 prophesied that holy sacrifices and offerings would cease. During the pandemic, when people could not attend Mass, the call was to declare a fast. Sadly, we often settle for a single day of fasting, when prolonged or collective fasting is sometimes needed. In the Old Testament, fasting was not optional—it was a sacred obligation.

Leviticus 23:27–29
“On the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement… you shall deny yourselves… For anyone who does not practice self-denial… shall be cut off from the people.”

Luke 2:36–38
The prophetess Anna fasted and prayed in the temple day and night, awaiting the Messiah. Because of her devotion, she recognized Jesus as the Redeemer when He was brought to the temple. Her example reminds us that fasting leads us to divine encounters.

2 Chronicles 20:1–17 tells how King Jehoshaphat, facing a vast enemy army, proclaimed a fast. The people of Judah humbled themselves and sought God. In response, God reassured them: “Do not fear… for the battle is not yours but God’s.” Their fast was a cry for help—and God delivered them.

Acts 13:1–3 & 14:23 show how the early Church fasted and prayed before commissioning leaders and missionaries. Fasting was central to discernment and dedication.

Matthew 17:20–21
Jesus said, “This kind [of demon] does not come out except by prayer and fasting.” Some Bible versions omit verse 21, but footnotes confirm the connection between spiritual authority and fasting.

Isaiah 59:1–2 reminds us that it’s not God who turns away—it is our sins that build barriers. Fasting helps us tear down these walls through repentance and humility.

Daniel 6:1–22
When Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den for praying to God, King Darius fasted out of concern for him. God protected Daniel, showing that fasting—even from someone else—can be powerful when done with sincerity.

Daniel 10:1–7
Daniel fasted for three weeks and was granted a divine vision. Fasting opened the door to profound spiritual encounters.

Conclusion

Fasting is a sacred practice with the power to protect, purify, and connect us more deeply with God. It is a means of repentance, a cry for help, a tool for deliverance, and a path to spiritual clarity. When we fast and pray, we not only receive personal graces, but we intercede for our families, communities, and the world. Through acts of self-denial, we make space for God’s grace to act powerfully in our lives.

Let us recommit to fasting and penance. In doing so, we will witness God’s glory, protection, and miracles—not only for ourselves but also for our loved ones. With fasting, we are no longer alone in the lion’s den—God is with us, fighting our battles.